HANTSPORT TO DISSOLVE? APRIL 10, 2014.

"A fantastic turnout", Mayor Rob Zwicker declared at the start of the public meeting. The town wisely chose the Hantsport School as the location. There were just a few empty seats when the meeting started at 7 PM.

The mayor announced that the decision to dissolve or maintain town status would not be made that night. It was an opportunity for the public to ask questions and discuss that question. Municipalities can change their status. But, and the Mayor stated this clearly, "The status quo is not an option." He appeared to favour joining the Municipality of Kings.

Mayor Rob Zwicker chaired the meeting.

(LR) Deputy Mayor Harold Bulger, councillors  Paul Morton, Rob Fredericks,
 Margot Bureaux. Shannon Cunningham, Faye Hill.

In 2014 - 2015, the town can balance the budget but it cannot make the needed upgrades.

The council will meet Wednesday, April16 at 6 PM at the Fire Hall to make their decision. The meeting will be open to the public. Council members will discuss the issue for a few moments. Then they will vote with a show of hands.

Many people spoke. Some identified themselves. (Some did not but I knew their names. Others I just caught part of their names. Please fill in the blanks if you like. -HAD)

Several speakers congratulated the town on calling this public meeting. They appreciated council's  transparency in opening the topic for discussion. At the end of the meeting, residents generally understood how complex the question is.

Prior to the meeting, residents studied the supplied information.

Questions about dissolution:

Amy Melmock asked if the town dissolves, how will it be represented?
The mayor replied that as mayor he will represent the town on either municipal council until the next municipal election.  At that time, the boundaries will/can be redrawn.

Former Mayor Wayne Folker asked if we dissolve the town, can we opt out later if circumstances change?
The mayor replied that the Utilities Review Board has a procedure.

Richard ____  asked what support is the provincial government giving to municipalities?
CAO Rob Frost replied that council has been working with the province on this and on an affordability model with projections for 5 -10 years. And has met with officials about possible financial support.

Deborah _____ asked what would change with dissolution?
The mayor replied that Hantsport would no longer need a mayor or councillors. Other than that, not much would change. The town can show leadership.

Ray Myles asked what are the benefits of dissolution?
The CAO replied that Hantsport would pay the municipal area rates for RCMP. education, and garbage - a much lower rate.

Tessa Mendel asked what level of control will residents have? And what will happen to administration?
The mayor replied that negotiations will determine the answers.

Chris Fry stated that in spite of amalgamation in HRM, Halifax, Dartmouth still exist. Communities keep their identity.
Mayor responded, "Where is Sidney Crosbie from? Not Halifax but Cole Harbour."

Arguments against dissolution: 

Emotions ran high among those who opposed dissolution.

Former Town Clerk Joe McGinn stated that once the town is gone, it will be gone. The tax rate will not be reduced. The fire department would be responsible for taxes and other expenses. "Take your time," he stated firmly.

Paul Syme stated that he is an eternal optimist. Dollars and cents are important factors but they are not the most important. He loves that fact that right now Hantsport people are in control. The town needs more advocacy - to be more aggressive in telling others about the town. Right now,  outsiders just hear about the problems. "Consider for another year. If it's just a matter of dollars and cents, the dissolve the town."

Richard Rogers stated that Hantsport has huge potential. "Let's take our time."
The mayor state that Hantsport will continue even if the town dissolves.

The daughter of Joe McGinn stated that the town needs more facts. The process is going too fast.

Kathy Pemberton, President of Hantsporty & Area Business Association urged the town to take more time.
Mayor asked if we still have HABA if the town dissolves?
Kathy replied that it will continue.

Toni Heatley asked if the town has considered issuing a bond?
CAO Rob Frost stated, "We could do that but it needs to be for a special project."
Toni as if the town has considered introducing a special tax?
Mayor said no. People all feel they are being over-taxed.
Toni stated, "I lived in HRM. I heard the promises that taxes would come down and we would have our same services. The opposite happened. Don't look at dissolution."

Other matters: 

Brian Bishop asked if the town would hold a plebiscite to determine whether people wanted to join Kings or Hants municipal units.
The answer was that council is engaged to make decisions in the best interest of the people.

Some speakers advocated raising taxes to meet the town's needs. Others stated that they cannot afford to pay any more for taxes.
Some advocated more volunteer participation to reduce costs.
Some looked for changes in the assessment process.
Others wanted the town to be more active seeking new businesses to locate in the town.
One suggested that Glooscap First Nations has a new economic development plan. CAO Frost said it was an excellent plan but will not add tax dollars to Hantsport. It will be involved in marketing and promoting the region.

When there were no more questioners at the microphone, the Mayor thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting at 9:15 PM.